Going to Utah at the end of February, is a 4WD vehicle required? Some of my friends are really worried because all I have reserved a Camry, but a SUV is almost triple the price and I've read from past years that 4WD is overkill.

You will be fine with a car if you don't mind riding the bus. I don't think rental companies allow chains on their cars. The lots fill up relatively early on powder days. I have had to stand on the bus before but it is not a very long ride.

So are you saying that I should not drive to the mountain? Does that mean the road conditions are not suitable for driving? Sorry just not sure if you're saying the bus is better or an alternative option.

They shut down the roads up to those resorts during snow storms and only allow 4wd and vehicles with chains past the gates (police are there checking and will not let you pass). When it is dumping, you either take the bus or rent a 4wd/awd vehicle.

The bus is fine. But if you are going with 3 or 4 friends, it will cost $9 round trip for each person every day you need to take the bus. However, it probably won't snow every day and maybe not at all while you are there.

You might be able to book an suv as well and cancel one with no penalty at the last minute. If snow is forecast, cancel the car and vice versa. Now, I have been offered upgrades to awd or 4wd for only $5 or $10 extra per day by nice car rental agents in the past a few times but don't count on it.

Stick with the camry. If you rent a 4WD vehicle it wont snow. When/if it snows enough to restrict travel, park the Toyota in one of the park n ride lots and take the ski bus of hitch hike up to the mtn. If its not snowing the roads will be fine for FWD.

Going to Utah at the end of February, is a 4WD vehicle required? Some of my friends are really worried because all I have reserved a Camry, but a SUV is almost triple the price and I've read from past years that 4WD is overkill.

Going to Powder Mountain and Snowbasin from 2/23 to 3/1.

Does anyone have any advice?

Rent a 4x4 from Rugged Rentals if you have the cash. My buddies and I have been staying in Trappers Ridge for years riding Powder Mountain and when you get a dumping of snow, the mountain road turns into a total shit show unless you have 4WD. Rugged Rental is by far the cheapest and best option. This year we rented 2 4x4 shortbed hemis. That is unless you like waiting for the bus : ) The long term forecast looks pretty good for a fai amount of snow.

I'm pricing everything out for the same time period myself, but I'm flexible on days. At the airport, best prices coming up for me on midsize cars are around $250 and midsize suvs a little over $500 for a 7 day period.

Thanks for suggesting Rugged. They do seem to be a little cheaper, but no suvs available for that time period right now.

So, you guys really like Powder Mountain? I might have to try that place. I heard the only problem is the lifts are old and slow. I definitely want to try some different resorts next time, also thinking about Canyons.

I'm pricing everything out for the same time period myself, but I'm flexible on days. At the airport, best prices coming up for me on midsize cars are around $250 and midsize suvs a little over $500 for a 7 day period.

Thanks for suggesting Rugged. They do seem to be a little cheaper, but no suvs available for that time period right now.

So, you guys really like Powder Mountain? I might have to try that place. I heard the only problem is the lifts are old and slow. I definitely want to try some different resorts next time, also thinking about Canyons.

Go there if you like powder and no lines. Yes, the lifts are old and slow, but lift tickets are $55 at the valley market in Eden and the vibe is chill. Its like riding at the resort in Hot Tub Time Machine IMO . $18 snow cat rides can be had at Lightning Ridge, which is a good time and really good tree riding.